Director of National Development

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of National Development based in the United States.

Take a leading role in expanding national philanthropic support for a mission-driven public policy organization. As Director of National Development, you’ll shape and execute fundraising strategies that advance initiatives spanning election integrity, energy policy, criminal justice reform, and litigation. You’ll build relationships with major donors and foundations nationwide, personally leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. Working closely with executive leadership and initiative teams, you’ll translate complex policy priorities into compelling funding opportunities that inspire meaningful philanthropic investment. This senior role combines strategic planning with hands-on fundraising and offers the opportunity to build lasting partnerships that support work across the country. The position can be based anywhere in the United States with convenient access to air travel and requires regular domestic travel.

• Develop and implement a national fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities, establishing clear revenue targets and plans for sustainable philanthropic growth.

• Manage and expand a portfolio of existing and prospective major donors, taking direct responsibility for relationship cultivation, gift solicitation, and ongoing stewardship.

• Identify, research, and engage new donors and foundations across the United States whose philanthropic interests align with national policy initiatives.

• Collaborate with initiative leaders and donor communications colleagues to create compelling proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities that clearly communicate policy work and its impact.

• Partner with executive leadership and the development team to develop donor engagement strategies and prepare organizational leaders for donor meetings and major gift solicitations.

• Lead donor cultivation through personal visits, briefings, events, and other engagement opportunities that connect supporters with national initiatives.

• Deliver timely, personalized stewardship and substantive updates that strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued or increased giving.

• Monitor progress toward fundraising targets and provide regular reports to senior leadership on results, prospective gifts, pipeline development, and growth opportunities.

• Maintain accurate donor records by entering contact reports into the donor database and coordinating fundraising activity across the development team.

• Travel regularly throughout the United States to meet donors, support cultivation activities, and participate in organizational events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Substantial progressive fundraising experience, including senior-level responsibility for major gift strategy and a demonstrated record of personally securing significant philanthropic contributions.

• Proven success identifying new donors, developing and maintaining major donor relationships, and consistently working toward fundraising goals.

• Ability to develop strategic fundraising plans while independently managing the full donor relationship cycle, from initial cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.

• Familiarity with national philanthropic networks and donors interested in free-market public policy. Experience fundraising for policy organizations or related causes is strongly preferred.

• Excellent writing, presentation, listening, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex policy and litigation priorities clearly and persuasively.

• Strong project management, organizational, and follow-through skills, supported by sound judgment and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and leadership across different locations.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout the United States, with convenient access to air travel.

• Strong commitment to the organization’s mission and to the principles of personal responsibility and free enterprise.

• Ability to build trust, communicate compelling funding opportunities, and maintain productive relationships with donors and internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: Compensation is described as competitive; a specific salary range is not provided.

• Health insurance: Health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents.

• Paid time off: Generous PTO policies.

• Paid holidays: Holiday leave included in the benefits package.

• Parental leave: Parental leave benefits.

• Retirement benefits: Employer retirement contribution matching.

• Location flexibility: The role may be based anywhere in the United States with convenient access to air travel.

• Professional impact: Opportunity to lead national fundraising initiatives and build philanthropic partnerships supporting public policy and legal work.

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

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